Chengdu's Chinese Super League title hopes evaporated after a fourth consecutive defeat, a 1-0 loss to Dalian in their penultimate match of the season. The result completed a dramatic collapse for a side that had held a 12-point lead earlier in the campaign.
The defeat leaves Chengdu unable to catch the league leaders with one game remaining, handing the championship to their rivals. Chengdu's late-season form saw them drop crucial points at the decisive moment, turning a seemingly comfortable position into a missed opportunity.
Dalian secured the victory with a solitary goal, condemning Chengdu to a finish that will be remembered as one of the most stunning title capitulations in recent Chinese football history.
